Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Sony Alpha A7 III

  • Full frame
  • 20 megapixels
  • Canon EF
  • 42
    Overall
  • 18
    Imaging
  • 60
    Features
  • 66
    Size
  • 0
    Price
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  • Full frame
  • 24 megapixels
  • Sony E
  • 50
    Overall
  • 24
    Imaging
  • 88
    Features
  • 73
    Size
  • 0
    Price
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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Sony Alpha A7 III: a Complete Review and Comparison

Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!

In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Canon EOS-1D X Mark II belongs to a Pro DSLR category, the other model, Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a Pro Mirrorless camera. Both models feature different types of sensors. Thus, Canon EOS-1D X Mark II comes with CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 20.0 MP resolution, while our second compared model Sony Alpha A7 III features a 24.0 MP BSI-CMOS sensor.

Both cameras we are going to look at in our overview fall into two different categories - DSLR and MirrorLess. Keeping in mind all the distinctive features of each category, it will be hard to make a detailed comparison of these two models. However, we will do our best to make this review as unbiased and detailed as possible.

To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Key Features:

  • 20.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Expands to 50 - 409600)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • 3.2″ Fixed Type Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 16.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 4096 x 2160 (60p, 30p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 50p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p)
  • Built-in Wireless: Yes
  • Dimensions: 158 x 168 x 83 mm
  • Weight: 1530 g
  • Environmental Sealing: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: Yes
  • Replaced Canon 1D X.

Sony Alpha A7 III Key Features:

  • 24.0 MP Full frame BSI-CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Expands to 50 - 204800)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • 3″ Tilting Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p) 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
  • Built-in Wireless: Yes
  • Dimensions: 127 x 96 x 74 mm
  • Weight: 650 g
  • Environmental Sealing: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: No
  • Replaced Sony A7 II.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II substituted Canon 1D X.

Why is Canon EOS-1D X Mark II a better choice than Sony Alpha A7 III

Gps Built-in vs No Has GPS
Sensor Area 864 mm2 vs 852.04 mm2 1.4% larger pixel area
Continuous Shooting 16 fps vs 10 fps 6 fps faster
Screen Size 3.2″ vs 3″ 0.2" larger screen
Screen Resolution 1,620k dots vs 922k dots 43.1% higher resolution screen
Battery Life 1210 shots vs 610 shots 600 more frames with a single charge
Max Video Resolution 4096 x 2160 vs 3840 x 2160 Higher Resolution Video

What are the key reasons to pick Sony Alpha A7 III over Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

NFC Yes vs No Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices
Bluetooth Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth
Timelapse Recording No vs No Creative shooting
Sensor Resolution 24.0 MP vs 20.0 MP 16.7% more pixels
Image Stabilization Yes vs No All lenses are stabilized
Number Of Focus Points 693 vs 61 632 more focus points
Weight 650 g vs 1530 g 880 g lighter
Dxo Color Depth 25 vs 24.1 Better color depth
Dxo Dynamic Range 14.7 vs 13.5 Better dynamic range
Dxo Low Light Iso 3730 vs 3207 Better High ISO performance
Viewfinder Magnification 0.78 vs 0.76 0.02 better magnification

Key PROs of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III

Touch Screen Yes | Yes Easy control of camera functions
Screen Size 3.2″ | 3″ Large display
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic Better framing and control
Raw Support Yes | Yes Better image quality
AutoFocus Face Detection Yes | Yes Very handy for portraits
Microphone Port Yes | Yes High quality audio recording option
Headphone Port Yes | Yes Better video control
Storage Slots 2 slots | 2 slots Extra Storage Slots
Bracketing Yes | Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Continuous Shooting 16.0 fps | 10.0 fps Nice continuous shooting
Flash Sync Port Yes | Yes Port for Flash Sync
Environmental Sealing Yes | Yes Shoot at tough conditions
Battery Life 1210 shots | 610 shots Big number of frames with a single charge

Key CONs of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III

Timelapse Recording No | Yes No timelapse recording
Built-In Flash No | No No built-in flash

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Sony Alpha A7 III: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics

Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III from the front view.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Sony Alpha A7 III
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Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Sony Alpha A7 III
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After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.

Speaking of weight, Sony Alpha A7 III is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 880g less than the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.

Comparing Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III by the type of Sensor and Resolution

Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.

Are Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III any different in terms of sensor type?

In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II features a 20.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor . Sony Alpha A7 III, in its turn, comes with a 24.0 MP Full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.

Take a look below to find the comparison of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III by the size of their sensors.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Sony Alpha A7 III
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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.

For Which Fields Of Photography Are Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III Suitable?

If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.

This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.

Photography Type Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Sony Alpha A7 III
Portrait Photography
97%
98%
Street Photography
78%
95%
Sports Photography
97%
99%
Daily Photography
68%
69%
Landscape Photography
98%
99%

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Canon is famous with its skintones
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

  • No Image Stabilization

Sony Alpha A7 III for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Image Stabilization
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Large Full frame(36 x 24 mm) sensor
  • Big battery life (1210 shots)

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (158 x 168 x 83 mm)
  • No Image Stabilization

Sony Alpha A7 III for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Image Stabilization
  • Large Full frame(35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Fast Continuous Shooting (16.0 fps)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Big Number of autofocus Points (61)
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3207)
  • Big battery life (1210 shots)
  • Big size (158 x 168 x 83 mm)

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Sony Alpha A7 III for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Environmental Sealing
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Big Number of autofocus Points (693)
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3730)
  • Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)

Disadvantages:

  • Slow Continuous Shooting (10.0 fps)
  • Small battery life (610 shots)

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Big weight (1530 g)
  • Big size (158 x 168 x 83 mm)
  • No Built-in Flash

Sony Alpha A7 III for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Big weight (650 g)
  • Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)
  • No Built-in Flash

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
  • Good Dynamic Range (13.5)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Live View
  • RAW Support
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3207)

Disadvantages:

  • Low resolution sensor (20 MP)

Sony Alpha A7 III for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Good Dynamic Range (14.7)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Live View
  • RAW Support
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3730)

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Comparison of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Sony Alpha A7 III: Final Verdict

Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Canon EOS-1D X Mark II or Sony Alpha A7 III, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.

What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 III here is what we can say in conclusion:

According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha A7 III deserves a higher Total Score than the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Sony Alpha A7 III Table Of Technical Specs

For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Sony Alpha A7 III
General
Brand Canon Sony
Model EOS-1D X Mark II Alpha A7 III
Announced Feb 02, 2016 Feb 27, 2018
Body Type Large SLR SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor
Sensor Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size Full frame Full frame
Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm 35.8 x 23.8 mm
Sensor Area 864.00 mm2 852.04 mm2
Sensor Resolution 20.0 MP 24.0 MP
Max Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 6000 x 4000
Max Native ISO 51,200 51,200
Max Boosted ISO 409,600 204,800
Min Native ISO 100 100
RAW Support Yes Yes
Lens
Manual Focus Yes Yes
Lens Mount Canon EF Sony E
Number of Lenses 256 83
Focal Length Multiplier 1x 1x
Macro Focus Range
AutoFocus
AF Touch Yes Yes
AF Continuous Yes Yes
AF Single Yes Yes
AF Tracking Yes Yes
AF Selective Yes Yes
AF Center Yes Yes
AF Multi Area Yes Yes
AF Live View Yes Yes
AF Face Detection Yes Yes
AF Contrast Detection Yes Yes
AF Phase Detection Yes Yes
Number of Focus Points 61 693
Number of Cross Focus Points n/a n/a
Screen
Screen Type Fixed Type Tilting
Screen Size 3.2″ 3″
Screen Resolution 1,620k dots 922k dots
Live View Yes Yes
Touch Screen Yes Yes
ViewFinder
ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism) Electronic
ViewFinder Resolution 0k dots 2,359k dots
ViewFinder Coverage 100% 100%
ViewFinder Magnification 0.76 0.78
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed 30 s 30 s
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 s 1/8000 s
Continuous Shooting 16.0 fps 10.0 fps
Shutter Priority Yes Yes
Aperture Priority Yes Yes
Manual Exposure Mode Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation Yes Yes
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No Yes
Built-in Flash No No
Flash Range 0 0
Flash Modes no built-in flash no built-in flash
External Flash Yes Yes
AE Bracketing Yes Yes
WB Bracketing No Yes
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment Yes Yes
Average No Yes
Spot Yes Yes
Partial No No
AF-Area No No
Center Weighted No No
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Sensor Score 88 96
DxO Color Depth 24.1 25.0
DxO Dynamic Range 13.5 14.7
DxO Low Light ISO 3207 3730
Video Features
Video Resolutions 4096 x 2160 (60p, 30p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 50p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p) 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p) 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Max Video Resolution 4096 x 2160 3840 x 2160
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264
Microphone Port Yes Yes
Headphone Port Yes Yes
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Yes Yes
HDMI Yes Yes
USB USB 3.0 USB 1
Physical
Environmental Sealing Yes Yes
Water Proof No No
Dust Proof No No
Shock Proof No No
Crush Proof No No
Freeze Proof No No
Weight 1530 g 650 g
Physical Dimensions 158 x 168 x 83 mm 127 x 96 x 74 mm
Battery Life 1210 shots 610 shots
Battery Type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Model LP-E19 NP-FZ100
Other Features
Self Timer Yes Yes
Timelapse Recording No Yes
GPS Built-in
Storage Type n/a SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Storage Slots 2 2

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